The Theory of the Leisure Class

Considered the first in-depth critique of consumerism, economist Thorstein Veblen's 1899 book The Theory of the Leisure Class has come to be regarded as one of the great works of economic theory. Using contemporary and anthropological accounts, Veblen held that our economic and social norms are driven by traces of our early tribal life, rather than ideas of utility.

First sentence: The institution of a leisure class is found in its best development at the higher stages of the barbarian culture; as, for instance, in feudal Europe or feudal Japan.

Year

2004

Language

English

Publisher

Oxford University Press, USA

Editions

172

Pages

304

ISBN

9780192806840

Data source: Wikidata